Welcome to Maine, the northernmost New England state that epitomizes coastal living. Between lobster rolls, lighthouses, and a rugged coastline, Maine is the perfect place to live for those seeking a quiet lifestyle up north.
Choosing the right place to live can be hard, so we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of the seven best places to live in Maine based on Niche.com ratings and research of renter preferences.
The seven best places to live in Maine in 2025 are:
Bangor
Bangor is a laid-back town along the Penobscot River nicknamed the “Lumber Capital of the World” for its role in the 19th century lumber industry. It’s a college town, with Husson University within city limits and the University of Maine nearby in Orono.
There are plenty of things for residents to do in Bangor. Downtown Bangor is a main attraction, between the Zillman Art Museum and the bars and pubs scattered along Main Street. The Penobscot River is perfect for fishing and canoeing, and the Bangor City Forest has over nine miles of trails to enjoy all year. For a slice of the city’s history, snap a picture with the Paul Bunyan statue on Main Street.
Camden
Camden is a small boating community and a popular vacation spot for Northerners, but living here year-round offers an experience unlike any other. Whether you prefer to enjoy fresh air at Laite Memorial Beach, Camden Hills State Park, or cruising down Camden Harbor, this small town is perfect for outdoor adventures.
Camden’s downtown area offers a charming New England atmosphere. Tucked along the Megunticook River, shops and restaurants in historic buildings line Main Street and provide the perfect meeting place. Stop by the Camden Art Walk every third Thursday from May through October, when the entire town comes together to listen to live music, meet local artists, and enjoy the tight-knit community feel.
Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth is an upscale town along the southern coast of Maine known for its beaches and lighthouses. It was established in the early 1600s and was named after Princess Elizabeth, the sister of King Charles I. Cape Elizabeth extends out into the Gulf of Maine, forming the southern end of Casco Bay.
Cape Elizabeth’s coastal geography forms much of the town’s culture and community. This little town is beach-oriented, with most of the attractions centered around enjoying the outdoors. Into running? Sign up for the TD Beach to Beacon 10K, an annual road race that begins at Crescent State Beach Park and ends at the iconic Portland Head Light.
Falmouth
Falmouth is a suburb outside of Portland along Casco Bay. Residents love Falmouth for its natural beauty, with plenty of outdoor activities at Falmouth Nature Preserve, Presumpscot Falls Park, and Mackworth State Island Park. Visit Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, a branch of the Maine Audubon conservation organization, for public events and education.
While Falmouth itself doesn’t offer a wide variety of shopping and dining, a short drive to Portland allows residents to enjoy big-city perks while living off the beaten path. Falmouth’s location along the bay and in the middle of numerous state parks and nature preserves shows residents the best of Maine.
Orono
Orono is a college town tucked along the Penobscot River. Home to the University of Maine and just a short road trip to Acadia National Park, Orono has everything a small New England town should.
Locally owned bars, cafes, and restaurants in the downtown area cater to every taste, and UMaine’s events and facilities provide plenty of entertainment. Catch a show at the Collins Center for the Arts or a football game at Alfond Stadium.
Portland
Portland is Maine’s biggest city, with a population of almost 70,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Portland is an employment hub, with major employers in the healthcare, education, and bioscience industries. Residents can enjoy both work and play with things to do like the Portland Museum of Art, shopping in Downtown Portland, and the city’s craft beer scene.
Despite being a hub of activity, Portland still feels like a classic New England village. The Old Port District boasts local businesses in historic buildings overlooking the boats on Casco Bay, and nearby parks and nature preserves allow residents to take in the area’s natural beauty.
Scarborough
While the Simon & Garfunkel song refers to the English town of the same name, Scarborough, Maine, is a town to write songs about. Just south of Portland, this quiet town allows residents to enjoy Portland from afar.
Inland Scarborough displays colorful foliage in the fall months that residents can enjoy at one of the many parks. The town’s coastline is serene and offers four sandy beaches. Spend a day at Scarborough Beach State Park along the Atlantic Ocean, where swimmers can enjoy water temperatures in the high 60s.
Ready to make the move?
If Maine has caught your eye, take the next step with Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find the perfect place. Navigate housing across neighborhoods with our customized search engine and use our customizable filters to narrow your search by price, amenities, and floor plan.
Wherever you are and wherever you’re going, the options are endless with Apartments.com.
